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Van Buren and DeLuca Mystery #1
Murder at the Flamingo
If Hamish DeLuca spent less time with his nose in a history book or studying for the bar exam, he might finally have the courage to ask a girl to dance at the Palais Royale. But despite his romantic nature, Hamish has always been shy and lacking the confidence of his friend and cousin, Luca Valari, who has invited Hamish to join him in Boston for the summer. Luca has just purchased a new dance club, The Flamingo, and could use Hamish’s math and accounting skills to keep the books alongside Luca’s “right hand man” Reggie Van Buren.
Regina “Reggie” Van Buren, daughter of a wealthy pastor and heir to a New Haven fortune, is determined to make a life as the self-sufficient city girl she sees in her favorite Jean Arthur and Katharine Hepburn pictures. After a humiliating tea party, Reggie bids goodbye to fine china and the man her parents expect her to marry and escapes to Boston. Finding an easy secretarial job with the suave Luca Valari and a room at Miss Clara’s Boarding house in the North End, Reggie soon adapts to a world beyond servants and ironed linens. Her romantic prospects alight, too, when she sets eyes on Luca’s cousin Hamish.
When a corpse is discovered at The Flamingo, Hamish and Reggie trade ledgers and book-keeping for sleuthing skills. But the truth comes at a high price for Hamish who discovers a dark side to his beloved cousin and is forced to choose between loyalty and his conscience.
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2018
61 people are currently reading
2285 people want to read
About the author
Rachel McMillan
26 books1,169 followersRachel McMillan is the author of over 20 novels including the bestselling The London Restoration and The Mozart Code and the upcoming Operation Scarlet. She has also co-written The Liberty Scarf and The Castle Keepers with Aimie K Runyan and J'nell Ciesielski. Her works of non-fiction include Dream, Plan and Go: A Travel Guide for Independent Adventure and the upcoming: An Aim at Eternity: The Life of Christopher Wren. Rachel lives in Toronto where she works as a literary agent and is always planning her next trip to Vienna.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 262 reviews
August 14, 2018
Favorite Quotes:
Sometimes stories are in the people whose life’s pages no one thinks of turning…
Reggie didn’t have the privilege of choice when it came to finding gainful employment. Economic times had fallen hard for those with numerous skills she didn’t possess.
She almost missed having someone to rush home and apply red lipstick for. Someone to turn in front of a mirror and adjust her skirt for. Someone she would watch the clock to be fashionably late for…
They both knew Luca had a past. Heck, anyone seeing that suave Valentino gait would know Luca Valari had a past. And probably a present.
There are layers and layers of crime here. You’d think it was a chocolate cake.
“He’s too good looking to be sinister,” Nate reassured with a wink at Hamish. “Besides, he doesn’t have the right mustache.”
Hamish couldn’t help but follow Reggie with his eyes. He hadn’t known fabric could cling like that. The material of her dress knew what it was doing…
My Review:
It took me several chapters to ease into this tale and acclimate to the writer’s style. This was a slowly developing story with tons of details that filled my head and initially appeared merely observational yet gradually most of these ancillary tidbits dovetailed into a finely woven tapestry. This was a thoughtful and insightful read that included, gangsters, mystery, a bit of pining romance, family drama, humor, Bostonian history, and one character’s interest in the newly created Superman comics.
Murder at the Flamingo kicked off a new series and was my first time reading the talented scribblings of Rachel McMillian. Ms. McMillian has a unique writing style and provided a complicated and intriguing plot populated with distinctive, intriguingly flawed, and complex characters. Her writing was highly descriptive calling forth sharp visuals that included not only the sounds and sights but also set the emotional tone for each scene. What I struggled the most with was the lack of communication between the characters as they all seemed so secretive and furtive, as such, the majority of the book consisted of the observations and inner musings of the highly captivating two main protagonists who aspired to be Nick and Nora from The Thin Man movies, although, unfortunately, they were lacking the adorable Asta.
Sometimes stories are in the people whose life’s pages no one thinks of turning…
Reggie didn’t have the privilege of choice when it came to finding gainful employment. Economic times had fallen hard for those with numerous skills she didn’t possess.
She almost missed having someone to rush home and apply red lipstick for. Someone to turn in front of a mirror and adjust her skirt for. Someone she would watch the clock to be fashionably late for…
They both knew Luca had a past. Heck, anyone seeing that suave Valentino gait would know Luca Valari had a past. And probably a present.
There are layers and layers of crime here. You’d think it was a chocolate cake.
“He’s too good looking to be sinister,” Nate reassured with a wink at Hamish. “Besides, he doesn’t have the right mustache.”
Hamish couldn’t help but follow Reggie with his eyes. He hadn’t known fabric could cling like that. The material of her dress knew what it was doing…
My Review:
It took me several chapters to ease into this tale and acclimate to the writer’s style. This was a slowly developing story with tons of details that filled my head and initially appeared merely observational yet gradually most of these ancillary tidbits dovetailed into a finely woven tapestry. This was a thoughtful and insightful read that included, gangsters, mystery, a bit of pining romance, family drama, humor, Bostonian history, and one character’s interest in the newly created Superman comics.
Murder at the Flamingo kicked off a new series and was my first time reading the talented scribblings of Rachel McMillian. Ms. McMillian has a unique writing style and provided a complicated and intriguing plot populated with distinctive, intriguingly flawed, and complex characters. Her writing was highly descriptive calling forth sharp visuals that included not only the sounds and sights but also set the emotional tone for each scene. What I struggled the most with was the lack of communication between the characters as they all seemed so secretive and furtive, as such, the majority of the book consisted of the observations and inner musings of the highly captivating two main protagonists who aspired to be Nick and Nora from The Thin Man movies, although, unfortunately, they were lacking the adorable Asta.
July 10, 2018
With Rachel McMillan’s distinct historical voice and attention to detail, she paints a vivid historical mystery with a hint of romance against the backdrop of a brilliant 1930s Boston scene. In her distinct way, she makes the setting a secondary character of its own, vocal and important in its culture and story role. With a fabulous puzzle solved and room for more adventures to come, the city comes to life as the characters grapple with loyalty, independence, anxiety, and purpose.
Hamish and Reggie are endearing, quirky, enigmatic, and just plain lovable. Even secondary characters like Luca (whom you will dislike/love/want to hug all at once!) and Nate (and his wonderful candidness!) are sure to be favorites and promise to be even more essential in stories to come. And I just want to hang out with Reggie and watch films of the time!
Fans of McMillan’s previous Herringford & Watts series will be ecstatic to learn of the “next” generation (Hamish is a DeLuca, after all) and see tiny nods to the previous series and a familiar name or two!
Let’s stop right here and talk about Hamish. He is SUCH a product of his parents! But, he is his own kind of special, quirky, and important. Through his unique viewpoint, Rachel McMillan illustrates the challenges of mental illness — namely anxiety and panic — in a normalizing and emphatic way. This makes him wonderfully relatable — even for a reader with no personal experience with such challenges (like myself). I applaud her for using characterization to subtly bring awareness and empathy to the forefront in a way that adds so much to the story.
I could talk all day about more wonderful elements of this story — lemon cannolis, bicycles, jazz, picture shows, DANCES, light bulbs, classic literature, and an implied message of grace. Instead, I hope you choose to discover for yourself all the intricacies and fun of this little mystery.
I cannot wait to see where these beloved characters will take me next!
MANY thanks to Thomas Nelson for the review copy. This is my honest review.
Hamish and Reggie are endearing, quirky, enigmatic, and just plain lovable. Even secondary characters like Luca (whom you will dislike/love/want to hug all at once!) and Nate (and his wonderful candidness!) are sure to be favorites and promise to be even more essential in stories to come. And I just want to hang out with Reggie and watch films of the time!
Fans of McMillan’s previous Herringford & Watts series will be ecstatic to learn of the “next” generation (Hamish is a DeLuca, after all) and see tiny nods to the previous series and a familiar name or two!
Let’s stop right here and talk about Hamish. He is SUCH a product of his parents! But, he is his own kind of special, quirky, and important. Through his unique viewpoint, Rachel McMillan illustrates the challenges of mental illness — namely anxiety and panic — in a normalizing and emphatic way. This makes him wonderfully relatable — even for a reader with no personal experience with such challenges (like myself). I applaud her for using characterization to subtly bring awareness and empathy to the forefront in a way that adds so much to the story.
I could talk all day about more wonderful elements of this story — lemon cannolis, bicycles, jazz, picture shows, DANCES, light bulbs, classic literature, and an implied message of grace. Instead, I hope you choose to discover for yourself all the intricacies and fun of this little mystery.
I cannot wait to see where these beloved characters will take me next!
MANY thanks to Thomas Nelson for the review copy. This is my honest review.
October 27, 2018
A fun adventure crackling with life and energy:).
I did think it was a bit rushed at a few parts but overall this charmed the heck out of me:).
Hamish and Reggie wormes their way into my affections pretty quickly and were content to stay there. Many times I just wantes to dive into the story and just hang out with them and "see the city."
Don't know if the above would count as a spoiler but just to be safe. Click at your own risk:).
Side note: I thought Hamish's anxiety was handled very well.
Definitely want to see where these two go next with everything!
Best 50 cents I spent at Goodwill haha
I did think it was a bit rushed at a few parts but overall this charmed the heck out of me:).
Hamish and Reggie wormes their way into my affections pretty quickly and were content to stay there. Many times I just wantes to dive into the story and just hang out with them and "see the city."
Don't know if the above would count as a spoiler but just to be safe. Click at your own risk:).
Side note: I thought Hamish's anxiety was handled very well.
Definitely want to see where these two go next with everything!
Best 50 cents I spent at Goodwill haha
Read
October 27, 2018Boston comes roaring to life with fullness and flair, a character in its own right. Endearing protagonists carry the tale with wit, charm, and struggles that make them human. Bursting with rhythm, Murder at the Flamingo is a toe-tapping, heart-pumping immersion into the world of Reggie and Hamish. A delightful experience.
January 3, 2019
You know there's just something about Hamish DeLuca. A detective with severe social anxiety, his Girl Friday, ex-debutante Regina Van Buren, a city that is at turns dark and beautiful, whiffs of a revolutionary past in a place of liberty, way too many Hunchback of Notre Dame quotes
Can't wait for you to all meet him!
Can't wait for you to all meet him!
September 16, 2018
Murder and Mayhem, O My! If you’ve been following my reviews for a while, you’ll know Murder at the Flamingo by Rachel McMillan is a little out of my reading comfort zone (as far as the time period and it being a murder mystery). So I am pleasantly surprised by how much I did enjoy this book!
The story is a great one that focuses a lot on the characters and not a whole lot on the actual murder, blood and grime, etc. Our main characters, Reggie and Hamish, are both looking for adventure and really trying to find themselves, each in their own way. Hamish is not the usual hero, but one I think many readers will love. Hamish deals with panic attacks and anxiety (mental health is addressed in such a loving way through Hamish’s character). Hamish is very relatable, sweet, bookish and a real gentleman. I really like Hamish’s love of The Hunchback of Notre Dame and the way he uses passages from the book to help calm his anxiety. I enjoyed Reggie’s character as well. She is very adventurous and independent. I didn’t like how Reggie has a boyfriend (who is back in her home town), but at the same time she is sort of developing a romance with another man.
Mystery and suspense readers will find much to love in the story of Luca (Hamish’s cousin) and his nightclub, where the mysterious murder takes place. I enjoyed the literary references in Murder at the Flamingo and reading about the pop culture of the time. This is published by a Christian publisher, but there isn’t any overt faith content (except characters visit a church and mention it as a safe haven for all religions) but it is still very clean and has Christian themes, such as sacrificial love.
Overall, this is a great read! I listened to part of it through an audiobook which I highly recommend, due to the narrator who does all of the different accents. Murder at the Flamingo presents wonderful themes of family loyalty (characters struggle with how far one should go in being loyal as compared to choosing one’s conscience), being the hero of one’s own story and learning to live in the moment.
Content: This is a clean read. I would rate it PG for some minor content. This is a murder mystery that takes place in nightclubs during the 1930s, so keep that in mind. Some examples of the content are: the main character deals with panic attacks and anxiety; references to alcohol; a man makes unwanted physical advances on a woman but is unsuccessful; a mention of the devil and hell; a mention of cursing, but the words aren’t actually written; a woman is a man’s mistress; violence and talk about the mob; a murder takes place; a lot of drinking and smoking in the nightclubs.
Rating: I give this book 3.5 stars.
Genre: Mystery; Historical Fiction; Romance
I want to thank The Fiction Guild, Rachel McMillan and Thomas Nelson for the complimentary copy of this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I express in this review are my own. This is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR 16, Part 255.
The story is a great one that focuses a lot on the characters and not a whole lot on the actual murder, blood and grime, etc. Our main characters, Reggie and Hamish, are both looking for adventure and really trying to find themselves, each in their own way. Hamish is not the usual hero, but one I think many readers will love. Hamish deals with panic attacks and anxiety (mental health is addressed in such a loving way through Hamish’s character). Hamish is very relatable, sweet, bookish and a real gentleman. I really like Hamish’s love of The Hunchback of Notre Dame and the way he uses passages from the book to help calm his anxiety. I enjoyed Reggie’s character as well. She is very adventurous and independent. I didn’t like how Reggie has a boyfriend (who is back in her home town), but at the same time she is sort of developing a romance with another man.
Mystery and suspense readers will find much to love in the story of Luca (Hamish’s cousin) and his nightclub, where the mysterious murder takes place. I enjoyed the literary references in Murder at the Flamingo and reading about the pop culture of the time. This is published by a Christian publisher, but there isn’t any overt faith content (except characters visit a church and mention it as a safe haven for all religions) but it is still very clean and has Christian themes, such as sacrificial love.
Overall, this is a great read! I listened to part of it through an audiobook which I highly recommend, due to the narrator who does all of the different accents. Murder at the Flamingo presents wonderful themes of family loyalty (characters struggle with how far one should go in being loyal as compared to choosing one’s conscience), being the hero of one’s own story and learning to live in the moment.
Content: This is a clean read. I would rate it PG for some minor content. This is a murder mystery that takes place in nightclubs during the 1930s, so keep that in mind. Some examples of the content are: the main character deals with panic attacks and anxiety; references to alcohol; a man makes unwanted physical advances on a woman but is unsuccessful; a mention of the devil and hell; a mention of cursing, but the words aren’t actually written; a woman is a man’s mistress; violence and talk about the mob; a murder takes place; a lot of drinking and smoking in the nightclubs.
Rating: I give this book 3.5 stars.
Genre: Mystery; Historical Fiction; Romance
I want to thank The Fiction Guild, Rachel McMillan and Thomas Nelson for the complimentary copy of this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I express in this review are my own. This is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR 16, Part 255.
September 18, 2018
Rachel McMillan has done it again with an atmospheric historical mystery with great relationships at the core. Murder at the Flamingo was a charming pilot to a new series that features a girl and guy detective team this time, set in 1930s Boston. The descriptions are rich and I really felt like I was exploring the city with Regina and Hamish- and getting fat on baked goods- with them. And the characters themselves are rich and multi-layered, with a runaway heiress and a shy lawyer with a fettish for The Hunchback of Notre Dame and an anxiety disorder that was written realistically and sensitively. My personal favorite was Luca, with his charm escaping the pages, his being such a larger-than-life character. And the mystery and flamingo drama keeps the pages turning. An all-around excellent summer- and anytime- read for anyone who wants to be completely immersed into another world.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, and the opinions are my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, and the opinions are my own.
July 18, 2018
Murder at the Flamingo is a dynamite beginning to McMillan’s newest series. Both a coming-of-age tale and a twisty case of whodunit, readers will fall in love with her delightfully complicated characters. 1937 Boston leaps to life in vivid detail, while the author’s portrayal of anxiety and panic disorder is both heartbreaking and inspiring. I cannot wait to read Hamish and Reggie’s next adventure.
July 22, 2018
A delightful read for those who love the glamour of the 1930s. This book is an ode to Boston and a testimony to the resilience of the human spirit. It is a journey of self-growth wrapped inside an intriguing mystery. Who’s the villain? There are many good culprits. But the hero is never in question. Hamesh DeLuca is a hero to love, the question is whether Reggie can see him that way.
August 27, 2018
4.5 stars
"You are only as strong as the moment that finds you braver than you have ever been."
Not many people would consider Hamish DeLuca to be brave; brilliant, introverted, unpredictably anxious maybe, but not brave. Or perhaps he just needed the opportunity. For when Hamish shrugs off an embarrassing debut into his legal career, and travels from Toronto, Canada to the bustling city of Boston, Massachusetts to visit his extravagant cousin Luca, he discovers that courage often needs just the right partner. After all, nothing will test one's heroism like solving a murder and no one fits Hamish quite like the dazzling Regina "Reggie" Van Buren.
Escaping her claustrophobic life as an heiress, while dodging an unwanted suitor, Reggie Van Buren decides that life in Boston is just what she needs. Accepting a secretarial position with the enigmatic new owner of the hottest club in town, she fields the most curious phone calls from Chicago and tries to pretend that everything leading up to the Flamingo's grand opening is above board. Besides, her boss's cousin would never step across any illegal lines; Hamish DeLuca is just as determined as she is to understand Luca's diverse set of business partners. If only a murder had not been thrown into the mix, they could have enjoyed the Flamingo's smashing debut, while making many more of their own memories on the dance floor.
Above all, "Murder at the Flamingo" is a story to be savored and enjoyed; written by an author with an uncanny ability to write just the right words, creating a unique pair of charismatic characters who will undoubtedly capture your heart with their perfectly imperfect partnership and keen determination to "breathe" and "hope" towards the future. "Spira. Spera."
"You are only as strong as the moment that finds you braver than you have ever been."
Not many people would consider Hamish DeLuca to be brave; brilliant, introverted, unpredictably anxious maybe, but not brave. Or perhaps he just needed the opportunity. For when Hamish shrugs off an embarrassing debut into his legal career, and travels from Toronto, Canada to the bustling city of Boston, Massachusetts to visit his extravagant cousin Luca, he discovers that courage often needs just the right partner. After all, nothing will test one's heroism like solving a murder and no one fits Hamish quite like the dazzling Regina "Reggie" Van Buren.
Escaping her claustrophobic life as an heiress, while dodging an unwanted suitor, Reggie Van Buren decides that life in Boston is just what she needs. Accepting a secretarial position with the enigmatic new owner of the hottest club in town, she fields the most curious phone calls from Chicago and tries to pretend that everything leading up to the Flamingo's grand opening is above board. Besides, her boss's cousin would never step across any illegal lines; Hamish DeLuca is just as determined as she is to understand Luca's diverse set of business partners. If only a murder had not been thrown into the mix, they could have enjoyed the Flamingo's smashing debut, while making many more of their own memories on the dance floor.
Above all, "Murder at the Flamingo" is a story to be savored and enjoyed; written by an author with an uncanny ability to write just the right words, creating a unique pair of charismatic characters who will undoubtedly capture your heart with their perfectly imperfect partnership and keen determination to "breathe" and "hope" towards the future. "Spira. Spera."
July 25, 2018
To be honest … this book hurt my brain. And I really don't understand all the great buzz I've been seeing about it.
Don't get me wrong. It had its good parts. I adored Hamish (I want to wrap him up in bubblewrap and keep him safe forever because he is epic!), and I absolutely loved Nate. Luca and Reggie also had their moments, though they did get on my nerves a few times.
But it was the story itself that really drove me bonkers. I adored the series that came before this. Jem and Merinda's adventures kept the midnight oil burning for me on several occasions, and I still go back and remember their escapades quite fondly.
There were just so many things about this book that made it feel like it was written by a completely different person. While I loved/liked the characters, they felt out of place in their surroundings quite often. (Don't get me wrong - I adore Boston. It just felt a few times like Boston was more of the star of the story than the characters.) The mystery didn't come together well at all, there were these - things - tossed in that I think were supposed to be plot twists, but they came out of nowhere in the worst possible ways. Some of the story wasn't even brought to a proper conclusion (and no, I'm not talking about Luca). And don't even get me started on some of the phrasing/word usage! People were constantly "painting" other people's profiles/bodies/etc. with their eyes. While I agree with its first usage (it's a creepy phrase, and the person who did the original act was a total creep), it was eventually beaten to death with a stick over the course of the book. Plus "her pantheon of curls." Um - huh? That doesn't even make sense! And those are just 2 examples of so, so many things that kept bogging down the story and just making me scratch my head. I feel like in her effort to find original ways to say the same old things, the author reached a liiiiiitle too far outside the box.
Not to mention the fact that this is a murder mystery - I think? But the murder didn't even happen until over 170 pages into the book. Over halfway into the book, which made them tracking down the killer and catching him feel rushed.
Plus - who is Maisie Forth's mother?! (Jasper was my absolute favorite character from the H&W series, and not knowing who he wound up with is DRIVING ME CRAZY!) And barely a mention of Jem from the original series, and NO mention of Merinda. Considering that series made this one possible, it feels just a little disrespectful, not to mention careless.
There were little glimpses of what could have been a truly good story in here. They were just lost under all the infodumps, the endless tours of Boston, and the heavy-handed prose that left me with a rather sour taste in my mouth.
I'm really hoping book 2 is better than this, because I really do like Rachel McMillan, and know she can write so much better than this.
1 1/2 stars for Hamish, Nate, and the glimpses of what could have been a great story.
Don't get me wrong. It had its good parts. I adored Hamish (I want to wrap him up in bubblewrap and keep him safe forever because he is epic!), and I absolutely loved Nate. Luca and Reggie also had their moments, though they did get on my nerves a few times.
But it was the story itself that really drove me bonkers. I adored the series that came before this. Jem and Merinda's adventures kept the midnight oil burning for me on several occasions, and I still go back and remember their escapades quite fondly.
There were just so many things about this book that made it feel like it was written by a completely different person. While I loved/liked the characters, they felt out of place in their surroundings quite often. (Don't get me wrong - I adore Boston. It just felt a few times like Boston was more of the star of the story than the characters.) The mystery didn't come together well at all, there were these - things - tossed in that I think were supposed to be plot twists, but they came out of nowhere in the worst possible ways. Some of the story wasn't even brought to a proper conclusion (and no, I'm not talking about Luca). And don't even get me started on some of the phrasing/word usage! People were constantly "painting" other people's profiles/bodies/etc. with their eyes. While I agree with its first usage (it's a creepy phrase, and the person who did the original act was a total creep), it was eventually beaten to death with a stick over the course of the book. Plus "her pantheon of curls." Um - huh? That doesn't even make sense! And those are just 2 examples of so, so many things that kept bogging down the story and just making me scratch my head. I feel like in her effort to find original ways to say the same old things, the author reached a liiiiiitle too far outside the box.
Not to mention the fact that this is a murder mystery - I think? But the murder didn't even happen until over 170 pages into the book. Over halfway into the book, which made them tracking down the killer and catching him feel rushed.
Plus - who is Maisie Forth's mother?! (Jasper was my absolute favorite character from the H&W series, and not knowing who he wound up with is DRIVING ME CRAZY!) And barely a mention of Jem from the original series, and NO mention of Merinda. Considering that series made this one possible, it feels just a little disrespectful, not to mention careless.
There were little glimpses of what could have been a truly good story in here. They were just lost under all the infodumps, the endless tours of Boston, and the heavy-handed prose that left me with a rather sour taste in my mouth.
I'm really hoping book 2 is better than this, because I really do like Rachel McMillan, and know she can write so much better than this.
1 1/2 stars for Hamish, Nate, and the glimpses of what could have been a great story.
July 5, 2019
Narration of Kristin James a delight as she characterized and accented for era and attitude.
Definitely a positive contribution to Canadian author, Rachel McMillan's excellent storytelling.
Anticipating further adventures in this skillfully written series.
Definitely a positive contribution to Canadian author, Rachel McMillan's excellent storytelling.
Anticipating further adventures in this skillfully written series.
August 4, 2018
I confess to it! I will give up and admit that I was not expecting to fall so very much in love with Mr. Hamish Deluca. But oh my stars!! He is a delight from the first pages to the last and by the time I closed the book, I was thoroughly convinced that I wished he were real. He and Reggie both, of course! And the atmosphere that surrounds them, the city of Boston itself, is very like a secondary character in the book. I was so utterly swept up into the glittering magic of Ms. McMillan's clear love of this city which permeates every aspect of the story. Decadent, delightful, and so wonderfully filled with quirky, extraordinary, likable (and unlikable!) characters, this is a feast for the reader who dares! :D
Firstly, can I just repeat? HAMISH IS AWESOME.
Okay. Now that I've gotten that off my chest, let me just give you a few short reasons why I think so. (At least, I promise I will try to keep my gushing short! ;) It's his properness, mixed with a bit of an adventurous side that struck me at first. And watching him struggle through dealing with his anxiety and panic just further endeared him to me. He is like a shy little puppy, who has all this amazingness inside of him just waiting for someone to notice and encourage it. He's unlike any other character I've ever met, but I mean that in all the BEST ways! I think what it really boils down to is that he's attempting to find himself. He has all this awesome inside, yes, but he's very unaware of it, especially in the beginning. This beautifully written story is his journey to discovering all the amazing parts of himself and realizing that the flaws he'd imagined he has were just that, his imagination. He simply has to learn that for himself though, no amount of telling him so will suffice. It must be experienced! And watching his gradual awareness and growth, as he finally begins to trust himself, brings such glorious moments! I am unashamed to tell you that he's my favorite. (As you, no doubt, have already figured out, right? ;)
Oh, but then there's Reggie! She has quite the journey herself and it's not any easier for her either. Watching the two of them work through their struggles (while dipping and dodging the crackling chemistry between them! *swoon*) and come through to the other side so much stronger...ah, it does my heart good. But it's not just their individual journeys that take center stage, Ms. McMillan has quite the murder mystery for them to solve! This is where the city truly comes alive. As the two circle around everywhere, searching out their answers, the mix of unconventional secondary characters who cross their path makes for so much fun. (Especially Luca and Nate, both of whom are quite unforgettable themselves!) Life in 1930s Boston is full of excitement and secrets, some of which are easily found out and others not so much. This setting is so lovingly described that I could easily picture every building and back alley, kudos to Ms. McMillan for that! One gets so swept up inside the time period that, when real life intruded while I was reading, I was much frowny-faced!
Oh! And I shouldn't forget the awesome little callbacks to Ms. McMillan's first series, Herringford & Watts. So many mentions that made me grin, yet so many questions I'm still anxious to figure out!
From beginning to end, this story was a delight to my senses. So full of charm and fun, I could not read fast enough. And I closed the last chapter with a heart full of Hamish and Reggie! Excited for book two, yet quite satisfied to go back and be enchanted all over again. And it's a good thing too, since I have such a long wait for the next one! Humph. :D Read it, friends! I promise you won't regret meeting Hamish. (But just remember, I totally saw him first! Well, after Ms. McMillan and Reggie, of course. ;)
**I received a complimentary copy from the author via Thomas Nelson & Netgalley. All opinions expressed are my own.
Firstly, can I just repeat? HAMISH IS AWESOME.
Okay. Now that I've gotten that off my chest, let me just give you a few short reasons why I think so. (At least, I promise I will try to keep my gushing short! ;) It's his properness, mixed with a bit of an adventurous side that struck me at first. And watching him struggle through dealing with his anxiety and panic just further endeared him to me. He is like a shy little puppy, who has all this amazingness inside of him just waiting for someone to notice and encourage it. He's unlike any other character I've ever met, but I mean that in all the BEST ways! I think what it really boils down to is that he's attempting to find himself. He has all this awesome inside, yes, but he's very unaware of it, especially in the beginning. This beautifully written story is his journey to discovering all the amazing parts of himself and realizing that the flaws he'd imagined he has were just that, his imagination. He simply has to learn that for himself though, no amount of telling him so will suffice. It must be experienced! And watching his gradual awareness and growth, as he finally begins to trust himself, brings such glorious moments! I am unashamed to tell you that he's my favorite. (As you, no doubt, have already figured out, right? ;)
Oh, but then there's Reggie! She has quite the journey herself and it's not any easier for her either. Watching the two of them work through their struggles (while dipping and dodging the crackling chemistry between them! *swoon*) and come through to the other side so much stronger...ah, it does my heart good. But it's not just their individual journeys that take center stage, Ms. McMillan has quite the murder mystery for them to solve! This is where the city truly comes alive. As the two circle around everywhere, searching out their answers, the mix of unconventional secondary characters who cross their path makes for so much fun. (Especially Luca and Nate, both of whom are quite unforgettable themselves!) Life in 1930s Boston is full of excitement and secrets, some of which are easily found out and others not so much. This setting is so lovingly described that I could easily picture every building and back alley, kudos to Ms. McMillan for that! One gets so swept up inside the time period that, when real life intruded while I was reading, I was much frowny-faced!
Oh! And I shouldn't forget the awesome little callbacks to Ms. McMillan's first series, Herringford & Watts. So many mentions that made me grin, yet so many questions I'm still anxious to figure out!
From beginning to end, this story was a delight to my senses. So full of charm and fun, I could not read fast enough. And I closed the last chapter with a heart full of Hamish and Reggie! Excited for book two, yet quite satisfied to go back and be enchanted all over again. And it's a good thing too, since I have such a long wait for the next one! Humph. :D Read it, friends! I promise you won't regret meeting Hamish. (But just remember, I totally saw him first! Well, after Ms. McMillan and Reggie, of course. ;)
**I received a complimentary copy from the author via Thomas Nelson & Netgalley. All opinions expressed are my own.
July 15, 2019
Rachel McMillan has a gift for putting you right in the city in which she’s set her story. Whether that city is modern day Vienna or Depression era Boston, you truly experience it in all its glory—the energy, the architecture, and even the food.
These last evenings reading Murder at the Flamingo were like stepping into the 1930s. There were nightclubs, cigarette girls, finger waves, and bicycle rides for two. The hero, Hamish DeLuca, is not your typical hard-boiled detective. He’s a sensitive soul, coping with an anxiety disorder, who travels to Boston from Toronto to visit his cousin, Luca—and to escape an overbearing father. The heroine, high-society girl Reggie Van Buren, is also running away from something. She doesn’t want a traditional life. She wants excitement, adventure, and (most importantly) independence.
When a woman is murdered on opening night at Luca’s Flamingo Club, Hamish and Reggie join forces to solve the crime. In the process they both slowly come into their own as independent human beings. They also discover that they have feelings for each other.
I won’t spoil it, except to say that I adored this story. If you’re a fan of mysteries—and if you love 1930s movies like The Thin Man—I think you’re going to love it, too.
These last evenings reading Murder at the Flamingo were like stepping into the 1930s. There were nightclubs, cigarette girls, finger waves, and bicycle rides for two. The hero, Hamish DeLuca, is not your typical hard-boiled detective. He’s a sensitive soul, coping with an anxiety disorder, who travels to Boston from Toronto to visit his cousin, Luca—and to escape an overbearing father. The heroine, high-society girl Reggie Van Buren, is also running away from something. She doesn’t want a traditional life. She wants excitement, adventure, and (most importantly) independence.
When a woman is murdered on opening night at Luca’s Flamingo Club, Hamish and Reggie join forces to solve the crime. In the process they both slowly come into their own as independent human beings. They also discover that they have feelings for each other.
I won’t spoil it, except to say that I adored this story. If you’re a fan of mysteries—and if you love 1930s movies like The Thin Man—I think you’re going to love it, too.
July 20, 2018
Love love and love!! Sometimes the things that we believe hinder us can be the very things that make us exactly who we are. What we believe are issues that need to be kept hidden and kept secret could possibly be the very tools used to get us right where we need to be. Those insecurities or self-doubts that we try to hide behind can actually be something that makes us unique, helping to develop our character and have empathy for others, binding us to those who struggle with the same things we do. This creates a bridge of support not just for others, but for ourselves as well. Setting us on a journey that we never saw coming, reminding us that we've gained so much more than we ever thought possible.
November 23, 2018
Solid beginning to a new series. Murder at the Flamingo is set in 1930s Boston. The author does a nice job of creating the atmosphere of the area and time.
What I loved the most though was the characters. Hamish, Regina and Nate all won my heart. Loved all three!
The story line dragged a bit at times, but overall, I enjoyed this historical mystery.
My gratitude to publisher Thomas Nelson for a complimentary copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and the opinions expressed are my own.
What I loved the most though was the characters. Hamish, Regina and Nate all won my heart. Loved all three!
The story line dragged a bit at times, but overall, I enjoyed this historical mystery.
My gratitude to publisher Thomas Nelson for a complimentary copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and the opinions expressed are my own.
January 31, 2019
I would class this story as romantic suspense with a side order of mystery.
I loved the characters Hamish and Reggie. They were good fun to read and felt very real. I can’t wait to hear more from them in the next book.
For those of you who’ve read the book - does anyone else now have a craving for cannoli?
(FYI - I found Murder at the Flamingo listed under Christian fiction on Amazon but I would say that it should be listed as Christian-friendly-fiction. It was clean, there were no sex scenes or swearing, but there was no particular faith element to the story.)
I loved the characters Hamish and Reggie. They were good fun to read and felt very real. I can’t wait to hear more from them in the next book.
For those of you who’ve read the book - does anyone else now have a craving for cannoli?
(FYI - I found Murder at the Flamingo listed under Christian fiction on Amazon but I would say that it should be listed as Christian-friendly-fiction. It was clean, there were no sex scenes or swearing, but there was no particular faith element to the story.)
July 17, 2018
I LOVE THIS NOVEL. In a story both atmospheric and thrilling, we meet Hamish and Reggie, who are brought together at just the right time in just the right place. But there is so much more to this novel than just a mystery to be solved; there are also two lives that intersect as they learn who they were meant to be and growing the courage to be those very people. I literally can't wait for the next in this series....
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September 15, 2022
About this book:
“Hamish DeLuca has spent most of his life trying to hide the anxiety that appears at the most inopportune times -- including during his first real court case as a new lawyer. Determined to rise above his father’s expectations, Hamish runs away to Boston where his cousin, Luca Valari, is opening a fashionable nightclub in Scollay Square. When he meets his cousin's “right hand man” Reggie, Hamish wonders if his dreams for a more normal life might be at hand.
Regina “Reggie” Van Buren, heir to a New Haven fortune, has fled fine china, small talk, and the man her parents expect her to marry. Determined to make a life as the self-sufficient city girl she’s seen in her favorite Jean Arthur and Katharine Hepburn pictures, Reggie runs away to Boston, where she finds an easy secretarial job with the suave Luca Valari. But as she and Hamish work together in Luca’s glittering world, they discover a darker side to the smashing Flamingo night club.
When a corpse is discovered at the Flamingo, Reggie and Hamish quickly learn there is a vast chasm between the haves and the have-nots in 1937 Boston—and that there’s an underworld that feeds on them both. As Hamish is forced to choose between his conscience and loyalty to his beloved cousin, the unlikely sleuthing duo work to expose a murder before the darkness destroys everything they’ve worked to build.”
Series: Book #1 in the “Van Buren and DeLuca Mystery” series. Connected to the “Herringford and Watts Mysteries” series (Reviews of #.5 Here!, #1 Here! and #2 Here!).
Spiritual Content- Mentions of churches/Temples, church going, & ministers; Mentions of Jewish beliefs & a man wearing a kippah; Mentions of miracles & a place with miracles in the name; A handful of mentions of people & places in the Bible; A couple mentions of saints; A mention of God resting someone’s soul; A mention of Sunday School;
*Note: A couple ‘for the love of heaven’ and ‘for the love of angels’ is said; A couple mentions of ghosts; A mention of the devil himself; A mention of being condemned to a special circle in hell for showing bare legs; A mention of Hades breaking loose; A mention of Adonises.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘blasted’, a ‘cursed’, a ‘drat’, two ‘heck’s, and eighteen forms of ‘stupid’; Many mentions of curses & cursing (said including by Luca, but not written); Some sarcasm & eye rolling; Finding a murdered body (border-line barely-above-not-detailed // semi-detailed); Being shot, Passing out, & Pain (up to semi-detailed); Guns are aimed (barely-above-not-detailed); Luca drinks often & makes different alcoholic drinks (barely-above-not-detailed); Going to nightclubs very often & Reggie drinks once; All about mentions of nightclubs (Luca’s is said to be a “high-class watering hole”), alcohol, & drinking (barely-above-not-detailed); Many mentions of a murder, the body, how it happened, blood, & the murderer (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of murders; Mentions of being threatened, passing out, being shot, pain, blood/bleeding, & injuries (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of criminals, organized crime, & illegal activities; Mentions of mobsters & gangsters; Mentions of money laundering; Mentions of lies, lying, & liars; Mentions of gossip & rumors; Mentions of cigars, cigarettes, & smoke; A few mentions of a massacre; A few mentions of threatening to remove someone’s limb; A couple mentions of the Prohibition; A couple mentions of hatred; A couple mentions of gambling; A mention of liquor stores; A mention of hunting;
*Note: Mentions of actresses, actors, & movies; A few mentions of singers/musicians & songs; A couple mentions of car brands; A mention of Al Capone.
Sexual Content- an almost kiss, a forehead kiss, two cheek (welcoming/thanking) kisses, and a border-line semi-detailed // detailed kiss; Wanting to kiss; Touches, Dancing, & Nearness (up to semi-detailed); Noticing & Smelling (barely-above-not-detailed); a ‘baby’; A man leers at & touches Reggie’s shoulder (barely-above-not-detailed); Another man touches Reggie’s face in a manner that was unwanted (barely-above-not-detailed); Reggie & Hamish spend the night alone together (nothing sexual happens, but it’s scandalous for the time period); Mentions of mistresses & a married man’s current affair; Mentions of men leering & eyeing different women (including Reggie); Mentions of an almost kiss, kissing, & kisses; Mentions of flirting & flirts; Mentions of jealousy; A couple mentions of chaperones; A couple mentions of crushes; A couple mentions of girlfriends; A mention of a man pinning Reggie to the wall; A mention of a woman having two boyfriends; A mention of men whistling at girls; A mention of blushes; Love, falling in love, & the emotions;
*Note: Mentions of women’s figures/curves & noticing (barely-above-not-detailed); Mention of buxom women; Mentions of a woman wearing boy shorts at a club (barely-above-not-detailed); A couple mentions of Reggie’s tight dress; A mention of an older man with a girl who could be his daughter’s age; A mention of lipstick on a man’s collar.
-Regina “Reggie” Van Buren
-Hamish DeLuca, age 25
P.O.V. switches between them
Set in 1937
344 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star
Early High School Teens- Two Stars
Older High School Teens- Three Stars
My personal Rating- Two Stars
I was tempted to try this novel due to it being a historical mystery. While it ended up not being my cup of tea, I liked that the author discussed mental illnesses like a panic and anxiety disorder through Hamish. We don’t often see characters with mental disorders or physical disabilities in Christian Fiction, so I welcome that this book opened that discussion.
I did have to give low ratings for some content (the unwanted advances that Reggie faced (not detailed at all), all the mentions of women’s figures and curves (again, not detailed at all), and the large amount of cursing mentioned), but I did also really struggle with the writing style of this book. I have tried the author’s previous books and had the same problem, but this one seemed tougher to get through as it was much longer.
It also took over halfway (page 188 of 344) for the plot point mentioned on the back-cover to happen, which seemed much too far into the story.
I understand that this novel is connected to the author’s previous series but being set towards the end of the Great Depression, I was a little confused at the lack of mentions of the depression; only a couple comments alluded to the event. I did also misunderestimated from the back-cover how much drinking, alcohol, & club mentions there would be and it was quite a lot.
The love-triangle towards the end seemed a bit odd and Reggie’s feelings for Vaughan seemed contradictory. I wasn’t very impressed with the mystery or the romance, so I don’t believe I’ll be trying this author again.
Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
*I received this book for free from the Publisher (Thomas Nelson) for this honest review.
“Hamish DeLuca has spent most of his life trying to hide the anxiety that appears at the most inopportune times -- including during his first real court case as a new lawyer. Determined to rise above his father’s expectations, Hamish runs away to Boston where his cousin, Luca Valari, is opening a fashionable nightclub in Scollay Square. When he meets his cousin's “right hand man” Reggie, Hamish wonders if his dreams for a more normal life might be at hand.
Regina “Reggie” Van Buren, heir to a New Haven fortune, has fled fine china, small talk, and the man her parents expect her to marry. Determined to make a life as the self-sufficient city girl she’s seen in her favorite Jean Arthur and Katharine Hepburn pictures, Reggie runs away to Boston, where she finds an easy secretarial job with the suave Luca Valari. But as she and Hamish work together in Luca’s glittering world, they discover a darker side to the smashing Flamingo night club.
When a corpse is discovered at the Flamingo, Reggie and Hamish quickly learn there is a vast chasm between the haves and the have-nots in 1937 Boston—and that there’s an underworld that feeds on them both. As Hamish is forced to choose between his conscience and loyalty to his beloved cousin, the unlikely sleuthing duo work to expose a murder before the darkness destroys everything they’ve worked to build.”
Series: Book #1 in the “Van Buren and DeLuca Mystery” series. Connected to the “Herringford and Watts Mysteries” series (Reviews of #.5 Here!, #1 Here! and #2 Here!).
Spiritual Content- Mentions of churches/Temples, church going, & ministers; Mentions of Jewish beliefs & a man wearing a kippah; Mentions of miracles & a place with miracles in the name; A handful of mentions of people & places in the Bible; A couple mentions of saints; A mention of God resting someone’s soul; A mention of Sunday School;
*Note: A couple ‘for the love of heaven’ and ‘for the love of angels’ is said; A couple mentions of ghosts; A mention of the devil himself; A mention of being condemned to a special circle in hell for showing bare legs; A mention of Hades breaking loose; A mention of Adonises.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘blasted’, a ‘cursed’, a ‘drat’, two ‘heck’s, and eighteen forms of ‘stupid’; Many mentions of curses & cursing (said including by Luca, but not written); Some sarcasm & eye rolling; Finding a murdered body (border-line barely-above-not-detailed // semi-detailed); Being shot, Passing out, & Pain (up to semi-detailed); Guns are aimed (barely-above-not-detailed); Luca drinks often & makes different alcoholic drinks (barely-above-not-detailed); Going to nightclubs very often & Reggie drinks once; All about mentions of nightclubs (Luca’s is said to be a “high-class watering hole”), alcohol, & drinking (barely-above-not-detailed); Many mentions of a murder, the body, how it happened, blood, & the murderer (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of murders; Mentions of being threatened, passing out, being shot, pain, blood/bleeding, & injuries (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of criminals, organized crime, & illegal activities; Mentions of mobsters & gangsters; Mentions of money laundering; Mentions of lies, lying, & liars; Mentions of gossip & rumors; Mentions of cigars, cigarettes, & smoke; A few mentions of a massacre; A few mentions of threatening to remove someone’s limb; A couple mentions of the Prohibition; A couple mentions of hatred; A couple mentions of gambling; A mention of liquor stores; A mention of hunting;
*Note: Mentions of actresses, actors, & movies; A few mentions of singers/musicians & songs; A couple mentions of car brands; A mention of Al Capone.
Sexual Content- an almost kiss, a forehead kiss, two cheek (welcoming/thanking) kisses, and a border-line semi-detailed // detailed kiss; Wanting to kiss; Touches, Dancing, & Nearness (up to semi-detailed); Noticing & Smelling (barely-above-not-detailed); a ‘baby’; A man leers at & touches Reggie’s shoulder (barely-above-not-detailed); Another man touches Reggie’s face in a manner that was unwanted (barely-above-not-detailed); Reggie & Hamish spend the night alone together (nothing sexual happens, but it’s scandalous for the time period); Mentions of mistresses & a married man’s current affair; Mentions of men leering & eyeing different women (including Reggie); Mentions of an almost kiss, kissing, & kisses; Mentions of flirting & flirts; Mentions of jealousy; A couple mentions of chaperones; A couple mentions of crushes; A couple mentions of girlfriends; A mention of a man pinning Reggie to the wall; A mention of a woman having two boyfriends; A mention of men whistling at girls; A mention of blushes; Love, falling in love, & the emotions;
*Note: Mentions of women’s figures/curves & noticing (barely-above-not-detailed); Mention of buxom women; Mentions of a woman wearing boy shorts at a club (barely-above-not-detailed); A couple mentions of Reggie’s tight dress; A mention of an older man with a girl who could be his daughter’s age; A mention of lipstick on a man’s collar.
-Regina “Reggie” Van Buren
-Hamish DeLuca, age 25
P.O.V. switches between them
Set in 1937
344 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star
Early High School Teens- Two Stars
Older High School Teens- Three Stars
My personal Rating- Two Stars
I was tempted to try this novel due to it being a historical mystery. While it ended up not being my cup of tea, I liked that the author discussed mental illnesses like a panic and anxiety disorder through Hamish. We don’t often see characters with mental disorders or physical disabilities in Christian Fiction, so I welcome that this book opened that discussion.
I did have to give low ratings for some content (the unwanted advances that Reggie faced (not detailed at all), all the mentions of women’s figures and curves (again, not detailed at all), and the large amount of cursing mentioned), but I did also really struggle with the writing style of this book. I have tried the author’s previous books and had the same problem, but this one seemed tougher to get through as it was much longer.
It also took over halfway (page 188 of 344) for the plot point mentioned on the back-cover to happen, which seemed much too far into the story.
I understand that this novel is connected to the author’s previous series but being set towards the end of the Great Depression, I was a little confused at the lack of mentions of the depression; only a couple comments alluded to the event. I did also misunderestimated from the back-cover how much drinking, alcohol, & club mentions there would be and it was quite a lot.
The love-triangle towards the end seemed a bit odd and Reggie’s feelings for Vaughan seemed contradictory. I wasn’t very impressed with the mystery or the romance, so I don’t believe I’ll be trying this author again.
Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
*I received this book for free from the Publisher (Thomas Nelson) for this honest review.
November 20, 2018
Hamish is a new favorite for sure! Better review to come.
September 28, 2018
As soon as I saw the cover of this book I was in love! I liked the colors, the scene, and the font used. I loved the cover so much that I wanted to just pick up the book and start reading right away. But, since I'm a one-book-at-a-time kinda gal, I finished my current read and then delved right into this one.
I wish I could say I was as in love with the story as I was the cover, but that just isn't the case. This was my first book by this author and I found her writing style a bit different at times. It was hard for me to really get into the story and then it was difficult to maintain my interest. I liked Hamish and Reggie and loved the fact that they were opposites. He suffers from anxiety attacks and she is a high society woman trying to make it on her own. I found their strengths and weaknesses played well off each other. There is a slew of supporting cast in this story and I really didn't feel any kind of draw to any of them.
My biggest thing with this book is that it is supposed to be a murder mystery (even says so in the title) but it for-ev-er to get to the murder. I was beginning to wonder if it was ever going to happen. See, I was expecting it to happen close to the beginning and then the rest of the story would be the two main characters trying to solve the murder. The murder didn't take place until over halfway through the story. Up until this time, I guess, is some sort of buildup to the murder even though it seemed very lackluster. It keeps being hinted at that Luca, Hamish's cousin, is probably doing some shady business under the guise of running a nightclub. I was never really sure if all this talk about Luca was a buildup to him being a victim, murderer, innocent bystander, or what.
The author references Hamish's favorite book, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, throughout the book. I've never read this book so the references were a bit lost on me. I found at times that the story seemed bogged down in the descriptions of Boston. I feel like the pace of the book was just too slow.
This is the beginning of a new series from this author. I doubt I read the rest of the series and I'm not sure that I would give her other books a try. Her writing style just isn't for me.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher and was not required to write a review. All opinions are mine.
I wish I could say I was as in love with the story as I was the cover, but that just isn't the case. This was my first book by this author and I found her writing style a bit different at times. It was hard for me to really get into the story and then it was difficult to maintain my interest. I liked Hamish and Reggie and loved the fact that they were opposites. He suffers from anxiety attacks and she is a high society woman trying to make it on her own. I found their strengths and weaknesses played well off each other. There is a slew of supporting cast in this story and I really didn't feel any kind of draw to any of them.
My biggest thing with this book is that it is supposed to be a murder mystery (even says so in the title) but it for-ev-er to get to the murder. I was beginning to wonder if it was ever going to happen. See, I was expecting it to happen close to the beginning and then the rest of the story would be the two main characters trying to solve the murder. The murder didn't take place until over halfway through the story. Up until this time, I guess, is some sort of buildup to the murder even though it seemed very lackluster. It keeps being hinted at that Luca, Hamish's cousin, is probably doing some shady business under the guise of running a nightclub. I was never really sure if all this talk about Luca was a buildup to him being a victim, murderer, innocent bystander, or what.
The author references Hamish's favorite book, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, throughout the book. I've never read this book so the references were a bit lost on me. I found at times that the story seemed bogged down in the descriptions of Boston. I feel like the pace of the book was just too slow.
This is the beginning of a new series from this author. I doubt I read the rest of the series and I'm not sure that I would give her other books a try. Her writing style just isn't for me.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher and was not required to write a review. All opinions are mine.
September 21, 2018
I really didn't like this book. I'm actually quite surprised by how much I disliked it! The premise was interesting, many of my friends gave it glowing reviews . . . am I missing something? Really, that's the problem. I AM missing something. Many things. I feel like I had no idea what was going on throughout most of the book!
I consider myself a fairly well-educated and well-read person, but I just could NOT wrap my head around this author's writing style. So much was inferred and so little explicitly spelled out. Maybe I'm dumber than I think, because I need it spelled out for me! I still don't even understand what Luca was guilty of at the end. And the Suave guy? What did he want? What did Luca have that he wanted so badly? Seriously. I'm so confused. But by the end, I was just ready to be done. I didn't even care that I didn't understand.
The writing is heavy and dark, the metaphors over-done and near the point of nonsensical, and the descriptions were over the top. How many times did we need to read that there were children playing in the street beneath the office window?? Also, I really don't like when authors flaunt their knowledge of a certain city. We get it, Rachel. You know the streets and landmarks of Boston - even 1930s Boston. But I don't know them. They mean nothing to me. Please stop telling me, "He pedaled down Young St. toward the corner of Chicory where the Green Plaza came into view with its towering Archibald Clock Tower." Just tell me that he pedaled through town.
And here's an unpopular opinion: I wasn't a huge fan of Hamish. Maybe because I suffer with my own anxiety disorder in real life, I like the leading men in my fictional worlds to be strong, masculine, commanding, and confident. Hamish almost earned the term "sniveling." And I get that Reggie wants to be a big, bad feminist, but she seemed to railroad Hamish at every turn, and I can't help but think that's a disaster waiting to happen. Ha!
This book is obviously set up as the start of a series, but I have zero intention of reading on. My brain can't take it!
I consider myself a fairly well-educated and well-read person, but I just could NOT wrap my head around this author's writing style. So much was inferred and so little explicitly spelled out. Maybe I'm dumber than I think, because I need it spelled out for me! I still don't even understand what Luca was guilty of at the end. And the Suave guy? What did he want? What did Luca have that he wanted so badly? Seriously. I'm so confused. But by the end, I was just ready to be done. I didn't even care that I didn't understand.
The writing is heavy and dark, the metaphors over-done and near the point of nonsensical, and the descriptions were over the top. How many times did we need to read that there were children playing in the street beneath the office window?? Also, I really don't like when authors flaunt their knowledge of a certain city. We get it, Rachel. You know the streets and landmarks of Boston - even 1930s Boston. But I don't know them. They mean nothing to me. Please stop telling me, "He pedaled down Young St. toward the corner of Chicory where the Green Plaza came into view with its towering Archibald Clock Tower." Just tell me that he pedaled through town.
And here's an unpopular opinion: I wasn't a huge fan of Hamish. Maybe because I suffer with my own anxiety disorder in real life, I like the leading men in my fictional worlds to be strong, masculine, commanding, and confident. Hamish almost earned the term "sniveling." And I get that Reggie wants to be a big, bad feminist, but she seemed to railroad Hamish at every turn, and I can't help but think that's a disaster waiting to happen. Ha!
This book is obviously set up as the start of a series, but I have zero intention of reading on. My brain can't take it!
April 18, 2018
A unique start to a new series, set in 1937 Boston. Underneath the glitz and glamour of the nightclub scene lurks dark secrets and sinister characters. Loosely linked to the fun Herringford and Watts series, the fledgling detective team of Hamish DeLuca and Regina 'Reggie' Van Buren find themselves in the middle of a confusing murder investigation.
Fans of classic films will enjoy all of the references and interaction of this pair. Old Boston is a lovely setting for a new mystery series with its history, and the dark undertones of the 1930's. The plot develops at a steady pace as Hamish and Reggie try to piece together what is going on behind the club scene, and the confusing 'who-dun-it'. Hamish is a complex character as he battles his own inner turmoil and struggle with anxiety, crippling at times. He and Reggie both are young people breaking away and finding their true identity and strengths. There are fun moments as the pair dances like pros--a version of Astaire and Rogers--and find their friendship growing as the tension mounts. Some action and final revelations made the ending exciting, setting up for the next book.
Readers who enjoy a mystery with hints of romance, in a historical setting may enjoy this book. Look forward to the next installment.
(I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are completely my own.)
Fans of classic films will enjoy all of the references and interaction of this pair. Old Boston is a lovely setting for a new mystery series with its history, and the dark undertones of the 1930's. The plot develops at a steady pace as Hamish and Reggie try to piece together what is going on behind the club scene, and the confusing 'who-dun-it'. Hamish is a complex character as he battles his own inner turmoil and struggle with anxiety, crippling at times. He and Reggie both are young people breaking away and finding their true identity and strengths. There are fun moments as the pair dances like pros--a version of Astaire and Rogers--and find their friendship growing as the tension mounts. Some action and final revelations made the ending exciting, setting up for the next book.
Readers who enjoy a mystery with hints of romance, in a historical setting may enjoy this book. Look forward to the next installment.
(I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are completely my own.)
June 5, 2019
What a great start to this series! The prose caught me up immediately, and it wasn't long before I fell hoplessly in love with Hamish de Luca, a character who's vunerable and courageous in equal measure. He's also the perfect yin to Reggie's yang, or maybe that goes the other way around, but together they are a delight and make each other stronger and more confident. I also loved the setting. I don't know Boston other than what I've read about it, but there are just enough recognizable landmarks to ground the reader, while the sensory details of the different neighborhoods will make readers almost believe they were there. Looking forward to the next in the series.
July 6, 2019
This was more about the description of Hamish's panic attacks, how he controls them and his father-son relation ship, also how he felt about the gorgeous Regina Van Buren than a mystery.
The plot was a romance and we bearly witness any mystery and the couple of detectives, shoot me, they're lousy as hell!
Complete waste of time!
The plot was a romance and we bearly witness any mystery and the couple of detectives, shoot me, they're lousy as hell!
Complete waste of time!
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August 5, 2018If there's one thing I can count on in a Rachel McMillan novel, it's that I'm going to love the characters she creates. If there's another thing, it's that the story she weaves is going to be enthralling. McMillan delivers on both in Murder at the Flamingo.
With beautifully conceived prose, dialogue that rings true, and a mystery that kept me turning pages. I so enjoyed this novel. In fact, I do believe this is McMillan's finest work thus far, which is saying A LOT. I loved....LOVED....the Herringford and Watts series.
With beautifully conceived prose, dialogue that rings true, and a mystery that kept me turning pages. I so enjoyed this novel. In fact, I do believe this is McMillan's finest work thus far, which is saying A LOT. I loved....LOVED....the Herringford and Watts series.
March 20, 2018
A perfectly-flawed hero and a liberty-seeking lady are the backbone of this delightful and lively mystery novel. Grounded in a city that is no stranger to independence, Hamish and Reggie seek what it means to be free beneath the lights of Boston's glitziest nightclub...and a murder that taints its opening night. Fast-paced and at times humorous, the satisfying ending leaves the reader content and anxious for more all at the same time.
September 22, 2018
*Actual rating: 2.5 stars*
It's not a bad book by any means, but too slow-paced for my tastes. The murder doesn't even take place until 60% of the way through the story. Hamish was quite a likable character, though.
It's not a bad book by any means, but too slow-paced for my tastes. The murder doesn't even take place until 60% of the way through the story. Hamish was quite a likable character, though.
July 12, 2018
Oh, Hamish...My Hamish...Where have you been all my life? Hamish is my kindred spirit. My best friend. The fictional character that I so desperately want to meet.
For Rachel McMillan to take something that she has personally dealt with her whole life, and give it to her HERO...It is one of the most beautiful things you will ever witness. I feel like I not only know Hamish...But I know Ms. McMillan better. She opened her heart and let the words pour onto the page. The description is REAL, the emotion is REAL, the pain and the heartache is REAL. Anxiety...is REAL!
In addition to the anxiety factor...We have all the makings for an intense and intriguing mystery. A suave Italian nightclub owner, a bad guy on the hunt, and a high class born young lady determined to solve a crime. One of the themes that stood out to me in this story, is the sense of finding home.
"What if home wasn't something you were born into but rather something you found and ultimately chose?"
Murder at the Flamingo is a story full of life and adventure! From the North End of Boston to the nightclub scene of the 1930s...You will want to dance the night away with Reggie and Hamish in this new mystery from Rachel McMillan!
I received a complimentary copy of Murder at the Flamingo. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
For Rachel McMillan to take something that she has personally dealt with her whole life, and give it to her HERO...It is one of the most beautiful things you will ever witness. I feel like I not only know Hamish...But I know Ms. McMillan better. She opened her heart and let the words pour onto the page. The description is REAL, the emotion is REAL, the pain and the heartache is REAL. Anxiety...is REAL!
In addition to the anxiety factor...We have all the makings for an intense and intriguing mystery. A suave Italian nightclub owner, a bad guy on the hunt, and a high class born young lady determined to solve a crime. One of the themes that stood out to me in this story, is the sense of finding home.
"What if home wasn't something you were born into but rather something you found and ultimately chose?"
Murder at the Flamingo is a story full of life and adventure! From the North End of Boston to the nightclub scene of the 1930s...You will want to dance the night away with Reggie and Hamish in this new mystery from Rachel McMillan!
I received a complimentary copy of Murder at the Flamingo. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
August 29, 2018
With writing that was at times reminiscent of golden age mysteries, Rachel McMillan amuses, enchants, and leads the reader through a cozy mystery and adventure set in 1937 Boston full of interesting characters and an unlikely detective duo.
On finishing this first Van Buren and DeLuca Mystery, I had two thoughts: first, I’m glad there will be more mysteries with anxiety ridden Hamish DeLuca, lately of Toronto, and Regina “Reggie” Van Buren of the New Haven Van Burens and secondly, where can I get a cannoli?
Boston in 1937 comes alive for the reader through Hamish’s eyes, as he rides a bicycle through both swanky and run down neighborhoods, while Reggie brings more of the spotlight on the people struggling to get by in the North End where she finds a job working for Hamish’s cousin Luca.
While the murder of the title does not occur until well into the story, it is hardly the first bit of mystery to intrigue Hamish or Reggie. And as a reader, I had several candidates for who the victim might turn out to be.
I adored this not only as a period cozy, but as a story of two individuals who run away from very different homes and make new lives for themselves in the city. As historical fiction, as a first in series, and as a cozy mystery, Murder at the Flamingo just works. I am looking forward to Hamish and Reggie’s next mystery, along with more character growth and to seeing where the various relationships go. Highly recommended for those who enjoy historical fiction and cozy mysteries with a touch of clean romance.
This review refers to a finished copy I voluntarily received through Book Look Bloggers. All opinions expressed are my own.
On finishing this first Van Buren and DeLuca Mystery, I had two thoughts: first, I’m glad there will be more mysteries with anxiety ridden Hamish DeLuca, lately of Toronto, and Regina “Reggie” Van Buren of the New Haven Van Burens and secondly, where can I get a cannoli?
Boston in 1937 comes alive for the reader through Hamish’s eyes, as he rides a bicycle through both swanky and run down neighborhoods, while Reggie brings more of the spotlight on the people struggling to get by in the North End where she finds a job working for Hamish’s cousin Luca.
While the murder of the title does not occur until well into the story, it is hardly the first bit of mystery to intrigue Hamish or Reggie. And as a reader, I had several candidates for who the victim might turn out to be.
I adored this not only as a period cozy, but as a story of two individuals who run away from very different homes and make new lives for themselves in the city. As historical fiction, as a first in series, and as a cozy mystery, Murder at the Flamingo just works. I am looking forward to Hamish and Reggie’s next mystery, along with more character growth and to seeing where the various relationships go. Highly recommended for those who enjoy historical fiction and cozy mysteries with a touch of clean romance.
This review refers to a finished copy I voluntarily received through Book Look Bloggers. All opinions expressed are my own.
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